Tech Education

In order to provide access for all students to computer technology, we have integrated technology into each classroom, the resource learning center, the computer lab and the library media center. All staff are involved in some level of technology training, and Monroe's technology plan conforms to District and State guidelines.

A state-of-the-art computer lab, with 31 networked iMacs running Apple's OS X and a full-time technology coordinator, supports our instructional program. The lab has a T1 connection and is totally controlled from an administrative IMac computer. Kindergarten through second grade students come in each week for 30 minutes of computer practice and early learning programs aligned with skills and content of the classroom. Third, fourth ,fifth and sixth grade students visit the lab once a week for 30 minutes of skills and discovery projects. Teachers, together with the technology coordinator, teach keyboarding and word processing. Every student, in grades 3-6, takes the Reading Renaissance STAR test for placement and progress assessment in the lab as a group three times a year.

Students have ready access to computers in the classroom on a daily basis. Students practice grammar skills with programs such as Word Munchers Deluxe and Bailey's Book House. Math skills are honed with popular titles such as Treasure Math Storm, Mind Twister Math and Millie's Math House. Computer skills, along with word processing information, are gained using Appleworks, Type to Learn and Kid Pix. History/social science and science are augmented through the use of media/technology such as Oregon Trail, Carmen San Diego, CD-ROM encyclopedias and student-generated letters and research. Special projects utilizing the computer include publication of a third grade newspaper, a computer-assisted fifth grade Revolutionary War brochure and a Whig and Tory propaganda newsletter. After-school computer classes have been offered for the past seven years.
There is a digital video camera link to the television for self-monitoring/assessment and video/multi- media presentations involving students. Fourth and fifth grade teachers have videotaped some their classes as a tool for authentic assessment.

Our unique Mastery Math program is dependent on the use of computers. Students' progress is continuously tracked on the computer and assignments to skill groups are computer-generated. Teachers receive daily reports. Parents receive computer-generated reports showing specific learned concepts at report card time and upon demand. The advanced math classes do high level projects utilizing the Internet.

The special education program utilizes computers and AlphaSmarts (laptop word processor) daily. Programs used by special education students include Aerobics, Accelerated Reader, Write Outloud, Co-Writer, Inspiration, Kid Pix, Jumpstart Reading and Spelling, Arthur's Reading Race, Boardmaker, TurboMath, Infopedia, and Picture This. Special education teachers use computers to score achievement tests and write reports and Individual Education Programs.